Special Service and Features
Sixth Siddha Day on the theme “Siddha Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Life” celebrations: “Walk and Run for Siddha” held at Tiruchirapalli
The Central Council for Research in Siddha and National Institute of Siddha are the two apex bodies for research and academics in Siddha respectively functioning under Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Ministry of Ayush observes Siddha Day on eve of Agathiyar’s birthday every year, which falls during the Ayilyam star of Margazhi Month. This year, the Sixth Siddha Day celebration on the theme “Siddha Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Life” was jointly organized by Central Council for Research in Siddha , National Institute of Siddha  and Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu on 9th January 2023 at SPS Mahal, Tiruchirappalli. Several Pre-Siddha Day activities like conferences, workshops and medical camps were organized at different places of India which also included a “Walk and Run for Siddha” held at Tiruchirapalli on 8th January, 2023. The participants for the Siddha Day included esteemed dignitaries, Siddha physicians, Faculty members and Students from various Siddha Medical Colleges.
The auspicious occasion was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Honorable Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, Govt. of India , Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Honorable Union Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ayush, Govt. of India and Honorable member of parliament, Tiruchirapalli, Shri Su. Tirunavukkarasar graced the occasion. The event was presided over by Shri Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. Shri. S. Ganesh, Director and Shri. P. Parthibhan, Joint Director, Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu were the special guests. Prof. Dr. R. Meenakumari, Director, National Institute of Siddha and Director General , Central Council for Research in Siddha organized this grand event successfully with the team of CCRS and NIS.
Hon’ble Minister Shri. Sarbananda Sonowal, mentioned that the year 2023 has been devoted to the usage of Millets as declared by our Honb’le Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modiji. Hence, very appropriately CCRS & NIS has chosen the theme “Siddha Diet & Nutrition for Healthy life” close to the objective for Siddha Day 2023.
The Hon. Minister stated “Central Council for Research in Siddha  is the apex council for Research in Siddha system of medicine. It’s prime focus is to validate the claims of Siddhars for global acceptance. CCRS have set-up the incubatory cell namely Academia-industry Research Incubation for Value-chain Up-gradation  to promote innovation and entrepreneurship by translating novel ideas and innovation in various disciplines of Siddha Research, into products, processes and services for commercial exploitation and the benefit of
society. CCRS has granted Intra mural research projects on diseases of national priorities and entered into MoU with premier medical institutions like GIMS, Noida, All India Institute of Ayurveda, National Institution of Nutrition – ICMR, National Institute of Epidemiology - NIE for carrying out collaborative research projects. The progress of CCRS is evidenced through peer reviewed publication in international journals.”
He also stated that he is glad to share that the National Institute of Siddha is treating around 2000 patients per day and is holding first place among all other Ayush institutions of the nation in its patient statistics. He feels proud that NIS is the first Govt. Siddha hospital to receive the NABH accreditation award for its flawless and Quality Siddha health care. To promote and excel Siddha education, Ministry of Ayush has provided approval for UG Siddha course and student enrollment has been initiated from the academic year of 2022-23. Certainly, this will pave way to promote the quality of undergraduate education of Siddha and propagation of Siddha system of medicine to all over the country.
The minister reiterated that “CCRS and NIS has recently proved the strength of Siddha formulations during the COVID-19 pandemic through scientific validation by carrying out Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trials, which is the gold standard for the research and has published quality research articles in peer reviewed journals. I have witnessed the way in which CCRS and NIS worked tirelessly during this COVID-19 pandemic by joining hands with and Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy  in an effective manner. These achievements have popularized Siddha system of medicine in the Country and also in the global platforms.”
The Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child development & Ministry of Ayush Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabai said “I am very much delighted to address the august gathering on this auspicious occasion of 6th Siddha Day. At the outset, I convey my heartiest Siddha Day wishes to you all. The chief emphasis of this Siddha Day is Siddha Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Life. The theme of the Siddha Day will reassure the potential of Siddha in Public health and strength of Siddha nutrition Science in the management of morbidities and mitigation of resurging pandemic. COVID 19 Pandemic and Non-Communicable Disease management is an opportunity for Siddha system of Medicine and undoubtedly with the help of Union and State Governments, the mission to mitigate the pandemic was ensured. The resurgence of SarsCov-2 variants can be handled based on creation of evidence in the previous waves, which has been published in International Journals. This opportunity has now turned into strength in such a way that the use of Siddha traditional system of medicine in this pandemic has turned the attention of global researchers”.
He further said that “the Ministry of Ayush is glad to note that all stake-holders including CCRS, NIS, Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Private Colleges / Institutions, NGO’s have joined hands with each other in Mitigation of COVID and followed by observing the Sixth Siddha Day abiding all COVID -19 necessary protocols. Ministry of Ayush, is aware of the paradigm shift towards Ayush systems. Evidence based experiences with the effectiveness of the Siddha system in treating Patients with efficacious interventions alongside dietary principles and bed side regimen.”
The minister pointed out that the Nutrition and Dietetics in Siddha has been strongly envisaged by Siddhars which is evident in the Tamil treatise Thirukkural. A separate chapter for Medicine is dedicated in Tirukkural. It has 10 couplets and amongst them 7 deals about Right diet, Importance of food and Dietary Chores. In addition, the earliest mention of usage of Millets is highlighted in the ancient Tamil text Tolkappiyam where Madurai market had 8 staple foods which had all millets along with rice. Importance of nutrition is part and parcel of Tamil Culture and nutritional science is equally important as right food makes a right person. Siddhar Thirumoolar has advocated Kayakalpam for protection of human health and longevity based on dietary principles.
The minister of state signified that CCRS, NIS and Directorate of Indian Medicine have separately conducted Clinical trials both for efficacy and effectiveness testing with nutritive diets and interventions to combat Anaemia. Nutrition is an important factor in the treatment of lifestyle disorders as well as NCDs. Panchamutti kanji, Madhulaimanappagu, Karisalai malt, Kariveppilaipodi and Nellithenooral are some of the interventions which added support to nutrition concept in tackling anemia and for pre-natal care. Diabetes, anemia, and cancer side effects are best managed with Nutritional intervention.
The minister of state said the Competency enhancement Modules have been prepared by CCRS and NIS as per the Directions of Ministry of Ayush on the Demand by Division of TCM, for the Practitioners in Malaysia. He stated that NIS has conducted 3 COVID-19 Care Centres and treated about 3600 patients. He also expressed his happiness about CCRS developing more than 10 innovations and carrying out path breaking initiatives through the peripheral Institutes / Units of CCRS. Ministry of Ayush has taken steps to develop WHO international standard terminologies on Siddha medicine and Diagnostic Codes for Siddha in WHO TCM 11. To improve the quality of Siddha Drugs, BIS Standards are being developed by Ministry of Ayush. Steps are being taken to strengthen the export potential of Siddha medicines and these efforts will take Siddha to next level. The minister concluded by wishing the gathering a happy Siddha Day.
Shri Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ayush quoted the basic couplet of Siddha system of medicine - Food is Medicine; Medicine is Food. This maxim acknowledges the emphasis laid by Siddhars on healthy eating and the nutritional importance of a balanced diet. Siddhar Theraiyar has mentioned few dietary principles to be followed as a prophylactic measure for leading a healthy life’ eg “Always consume sour curd, never eat root tubers except yam, take meals twice a day instead of thrice daily, and take diluted buttermilk and
melted ghee”. The role of Siddha diet and nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic is noteworthy. To emphasize the significance of food and nutrition, the United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 'International Year of Millets' and hence this Siddha Day is aimed to create awareness on the theme “Siddha diet and Nutrition for Healthy Life”. To lead a healthy and disease-free life, Siddha system advises proper diet, medicine and a disciplined life. In case of any disease, one of the essential components of Siddha treatment is diet. The Siddha Diets and recipes displayed in Arogya fairs, expos attracted the public much more and deserves appreciation. People have now started to show interest in traditional foods. He congratulated Dr. R. Meenakumari, DG, CCRS  and Director, NIS for organizing the 6th Siddha Celebration in a grand manner.
Dr. M. Elangovan, Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad; Dr. G. Sivaraman, Member of State Planning Commission, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Dr. G. Madhu Kartheesh, National Food Consultant, Govt. of Mauritius delivered lectures on Siddha Diet and Nutrition under 3 different plenary sessions for encouraging students. The celebration was concluded with prize distribution to the best outstanding students of Siddha UG and PG category. This was followed by Cultural program competition signifying the importance of Siddha Diet and Nutrition by the students of various Siddha medical colleges.
This is stated in a Press Release issued by Prof. Dr. R. Meenakumari, Director, National Institute of Siddha & Director General , Central Council for Research in Siddha, .
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